After the enchanting first and the Second Day of wandering in the massive forest of the Manas National Park, you now prepare to explore this wilderness for the third time in as many days. On this penultimate day, you plan to include the visit to Royal Manas National Park as well.
Royal Manas National Park, incidentally is an extended part of Manas National Park but lies within the boundaries of the neighboring Kingdom of Bhutan.
As usual, Tapan is there at the reception of Musa Resort right at 6 am. So along with camera in hand, you begin your journey into the woods to reach the border of Bhutan. In-between though are infrequent halts, as and when something significant comes by.
The rising Sun has lit up the sky in a silken pastel glow. It has gradually brought everything into focus. On the ground below, you see the carpet of dry golden leaves fallen from the deciduous trees overnight. They have thus covered the ground on either side of your path. The cool air hitting your face as you stand up in this open jeep adds to the thrill.
As the Jeep moves over the muddy trail, you stand with your camera well ensconced over the bean bag, looking around, trying to find interesting avian or animal around.
And you are not disappointed. Soon you are in for the first encounter. These gorgeous peacocks are adorned with fascinating iridescent blue necks and shimmering feathers. Seated comfortably on tree branches, they are probably looking for the right time to fly down. Peacocks usually spend their nights over the trees to remain protected from predators.
By 8.30 you are at the Moragiati Anti-Poaching Camp situated in the middle of the Jungle. This seems to be an ideal place to break for breakfast. So, after a quick meal of Paratha-Bhaji and boiled eggs you jump back into the Jeep to proceed. On the way to Bhutan, you diligently take pictures of whatever attracts your attention.
First, then is the beautiful Malayan Squirrel. Soon you come across an inquisitive Barking Deer. This is followed by an attractive male Kalij Pheasant and subsequently is Green color Golden Fronted leaf bird, Jungle Myna, Oriental Magpie Robin, and Chestnut Headed Bee-eater.
As the Jeep moves over the muddy trail, you stand with your camera well ensconced over the bean bag, looking around, trying to find interesting avian or animal around.
And you are not disappointed. Soon you are in for the first encounter. These gorgeous peacocks are adorned with fascinating iridescent blue necks and shimmering feathers. Seated comfortably on tree branches, they are probably looking for the right time to fly down. Peacocks usually spend their nights in the trees to remain protected from predators.
Malayan Black Giant Squirrel
Malayan Black Giant Squirrel
Barking Deer
Kalij Pheasant Male
Golden-Fronted leaf Bird
Malayan Black Giant Squirrel
Oriental Magpie Robin
Chestnut Headed Bee Eater
Panbang Bhutan
It is 11. 15 as you cross over into the Bhutanese side. At the Panbang check-post, you hand over your passport to the Bhutanese officer. After noting your name in the register he asks you to pay Rupees 100 as an entry fee. Subsequently, you enter the Kingdom of Bhutan, officially.
Panbang is a tiny town of Bhutan situated meters away from its border with India. So as you enter Panbang, the first thing you see is an impressive school building to your right. A little further are shops within the small hut-like structures selling merchandise like T-Shirts etc.
Royal Manas National Park, incidentally is an extended part of Manas National Park but lies within the boundaries of the neighboring Kingdom of Bhutan.
As usual, Tapan is there at the reception of Musa Resort right at 6 am. So along with camera in hand, you begin your journey into the woods to reach the border of Bhutan. In-between though are infrequent halts, as and when something significant comes by.
After parking the Jeep, Tapan goes into one such hut and requests the lady to prepare lunch for us. As she begins the preparation, you have some time to explore the place further.
A short drive down, along the river you see a sturdy Iron bridge that takes Bhutanese across the river. Unfortunately, as a tourist, you are not permitted to cross this bridge. So after spending some time at this picturesque location, you return to savor the authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
Back from Bhutan
Post lunch, on your return, you pick up your passport from the Check post and drive towards the Indian side.
On the way, you witness an incredibly dangerous long leap of female capped langur. An act that will bring your heart into your mouth. This mother langur is seen forcibly grabbing her reluctant baby and then jumping from a branch of one tree to another at a distance.
You heave a sigh of relief as they both land safely on the desired branch.
Once, when within the Indian part of Manas National Park, you again explore the different fauna of this region.
Generally, there is no dearth of coming across fascinating birds and animals as you move around the jungle. Tapan knows the trail well and so takes you there accordingly.
To begin with, you see a beautiful Black Crested Bulbul perched on a branch. Alongside, is the Blue Throated Barbet blessed with captivating plumage.
Likewise, an equally attractive Greater Flameback Woodpecker is busy pecking into a seemingly dead tree trunk. Unconcerned even as you take its pictures. Over there, a Capped Langur looks at you eagerly as you pass by and this Majestic Crested Serpent Eagle settled high on a tree is looking ostensibly for unsuspecting prey. Likewise, Common Hoopoe, River Lapwing, and Scarlet Minivet too are no less awe-inspiring.
Black Crested Bulbul
Blue Throated Barbet
Greater Flameback Woodpecker ( Female)
Capped Langur
Crested Serpent Eagle
Common Hoopoe
River Lapwing
Scarlet Minivet
Day 4
So, as usual, you begin your safari right at 6 am. However, this time you want to explore the side across the river. Who knows, you may be lucky to sight the big Cat-Tiger.
Proceeding towards the river you come across myriad species of animals and birds that keep you captivated. A Peacock is dancing right on your path, endeavoring to attract a mate. As a result, you stop and wait patiently till he clears the path. Moreover, there is another attractive one a little ahead, resting on tree bark.
Further, you see Collared Falconet swinging on a branch. A co-operative White Rumped Shama obliges you with his profile pictures. Apart from them, an attractive Grey Headed Woodpecker and Indian Roller too demonstrate their presence.
Collared falconet
Blue bird
Grey Headed Woodpecker
Indian Roller
So after crossing the river, you come across multiple herds of Elephants, They include Females, Tuskers, and their young ones. You watch them keenly as they go around grazing incessantly.
By now it’s 8.30 and time for breakfast. Tapan then drives to a forest camp that overlooked a vast flat area of the Jungle. Presumably, an ideal place to eat as well as watch for wildlife activity in the vicinity.
There is no Tiger insight but you are compensated with the view of an extremely rare bird – ‘Bengal Florican’. Along with this prized sight, are a few other attractive avian-like Pied Harrier, Red Turtle Dove, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Marsh Harrier.
One by one you click each one of them.
On your return, at the river bank, you see some exotic avians come to quench their thirst. Among them are Rufous-necked laughing Thrush, Common Rosefinch, Stonechat, Wedged tail green Pigeon, Whiskered Yuhina and Red-vented Bulbul. Each is better than the other.
Rufous-necked-laughing-Thrush
The Lesser Adjutant Stork
Stonechat
Wedged tail Green Pigeon
Whiskered Yuhina
Red Vented Bulbul
Last but not least were these buffaloes, who looked really sad watching you leave the jungle for the last time.
Once back at the resort you pick up your bag and head toward Guwahati Airport. Finally, to return back home with some exciting memories and some incredible pictures.
Brown Cuckoo Dove
Parakeet
Deer
Wild Boar
Anonymous
5
Anonymous
1
Narinder Singh
Unbelievably adventurous, beautiful, fantastic and exciting! Enjoy to the fullest!! I envy!!!
Anonymous
4.5
Sangakkara
Beautiful
Anonymous
Nice. Detailed. It’s deja Vu.
When I went there was not involved in bird photography but enjoyed watching plenty of wood peckers, mountain goats and khalij pheasants.
Anonymous
Amazing pics. Well captured.
Anonymous
3
Anonymous
Great pics. Timely captured. Enjoy👌
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